Why is our Defense so bad?

[sc8581]

Defense isn't so much a talent or size thing. Obviously, certain things that aren't teachable can really help. But it's mostly predicated on effort, energy and commitment to learning, and sticking to a system. Jennings is the prime example. He doesn't possess any of the typical "defensive measurables" that people love to toss around when talking about KCP. But he learned how to play his position well within the system that Stan runs, and he gave solid effort and energy while he was on the floor.

One other key thing to note: Before Jennings got hurt, the offense was in an incredible groove. We were wearing other teams down while they were on defense, and they didn't have the same energy level when they came back down the court with the ball. There is some validity to saying the best defense is a good offense.

That last part is dead on. Jennings was wearing his defender out almost every night, KCP could be doing the same just like RIP used to do.

Ahhhh. The good ole days.

Still with that man-crush on RIP I see lol

[simon24]

Miami and San Antonio and Dallas have won lots of jewelry with 4 out 1 in... Just like the past 4 championships that's all.

Atlanta just won 19 in a row with 5 out.
4 out 1 in is an offensive strategy, it has nothing to do with a defensive conversation anyway

Yeah, I don't think I see a big correlation there either. The only argument you can maybe make is that it creates more defensive rebounding opportunities for the opposition, leading to more transition baskets.... but with the way our bigs board we usually come out ahead on the glass and transition doesn't seem to be our problem. We can't stop teams in the half-court.

I also don't particularly buy that SVG is all about offense and doesn't focus on defense. Listen to the guy speak for like... 2 minutes and you'll quickly realize that it's a pretty big deal to him. I definitely feel like we have a severe lack of defensive talent, but as I said I haven't watched a lot of games and was curious what other people were seeing.

A 3&D SF would definitely help and is probably our most likely upgrade at that end of the floor. Assuming he makes a full recovery it looks like Jennings will stick around for at least the remainder of his current contract. Even IF Moose walks we'll want another stretch 4 to replace him and not many of those guys are particularly good defensively. Dre & KCP obviously have room for growth, but I'm not expecting either to make a huge leap in the next 5 minutes.

We could definitely use some upgrades on the bench though. As well as DJ has played as a starter he's struggled off the bench and a Lindsey Hunter/Mike James type backup that could really hound an opposing PG would be a great addition. I actually kinda hope DJ continues to play well the remainder of the season just so we can sell high on him next Summer.

DeMarre Carroll would be a great look for DET. ATL got him at a discount. He deserves Ariza money.

[Redeemed]

I get the impression our defense is inconsistent because the team falls in love with the 3 believing it can bring them back from any deficit. We just need better and more consistent effort. Two guys go hard on both ends all game (KCP and Tolliver). Drummond is slowly learning how to dominant on the defensive end, but he lacks the focus to stay in "it". By "it" I mean that mental zone that maintains aggression and disdain for anyone that attempts to score on the team.

Guys still jog back on defense.
Rotations are still slow when it comes to shutting down the paint.

Our defense is so bad for the same reasons it was bad when SVG took over the team. The only difference now is, the team hits the switch and plays dominate D only to fall back into the same old habits. It going to be a process.